Buddhist Urn

The shape of this Buddhist urn recalls the design of stupas and pagodas. The urn is covered in a think green glaze and is embellished with incising and molded appliques rendered in fine detail. Simulated seams and rivets suggest a metalwork prototype. The tall, sculptural work rests on a high two-stepped foot bearing stamped and molded decoration. The lower section is surrounded by a protective fence, with posts surmounted by Buddhist lions. A large, articulated lotus made with hand-fashioned slabs of clay supports the barrel-shaped urn. The removable cover of the central urn is architectural in nature and includes dragon-headed brackets extending from the roof. Above the flaring roof is a smaller vessel resting on a lotus. The shape of this uppermost element, with bulbous body and long narrow neck, is based on sarira, small Buddhist containers for sacred relics.